July Right Now Report

The Right Now Report gives you the high-level updates you need without the unnecessary clutter. This month, we’re chatting about how Instagram posts are now available on Google, how to balance AI and consumer trust and ways you can get started with your holiday marketing plans now.

July Right Now Report
Your Instagram Posts Could be Seen by More People

As of July 10, 2024, Google and other search engines can now crawl and index public Instagram content posted by Business and Creator accounts, as long as the content was published on or after January 1, 2020. This includes all types of posts: photos, videos, carousels and Reels. Personal and private accounts are not included, nor are Stories (which disappear after 24 hours and aren’t being indexed).

This shift means your Instagram posts may now show up in search engine results, giving them a longer shelf life and expanding their visibility beyond the app.

What You Can Do Now:

  • Use keywords naturally. Hashtags are becoming less central, while keyword-optimized captions are gaining importance. Write in a way that reflects what your audience might search for. You can even update old captions to be more search-friendly. 
  • Add alt text to your posts. While this is essential for accessibility, it also gives search engines additional context about your post.
  • Track your analytics. Use Instagram Insights and tools like Google Search Console to monitor changes in engagement or traffic referrals that might be coming from search.

If you’d rather keep your content off search engines, you can opt out in your Instagram Privacy settings.

It’s too soon to know exactly how this will impact post performance over time, but now’s the time to experiment and make sure your content is working harder for you in the months ahead. 

 Need help adapting your Instagram strategy? Reach out today!

Customers Want Clarity Around AI and Data Use
 

AI is reshaping marketing fast, and with it comes conflicting feelings about how it’s used. People want to know what’s happening behind the scenes. According to the 2025 State of Digital Trust Report by Usercentrics, 59% of consumers are uncomfortable with their personal data being used to train new technologies. 62% of people feel they have become the product.

Adelina Peltea, CMO of Usercentrics, noted, “We’re not witnessing a breakdown in trust, but a reset in expectations. In the age of AI, giving users real control over their data isn’t just about compliance—it’s how brands build loyalty.”

So how can you build that trust without overwhelming your audience?

Start with simple, clear communication. Use plain language in your privacy policies that explains what data you collect and why. Avoid legal jargon that leaves people guessing. When asking for information, be upfront about how you’ll use it. For example, “We ask for your location so we can alert you to events nearby” is a simple way to make your request feel purposeful and respectful. Clarity and respect around data can help set your brand apart and foster loyal relationships.

Give people meaningful choices about what data they share, and make opting out easy to find and use.  Your privacy policy should be clearly visible on your site, and users should be able to opt in or out of cookies. While it can be overly cumbersome to set up a complicated cookie banner, it’s important to at least offer clarity and follow the laws relevant to your location.

If you’re using AI tools or automation to process customers’ data, be transparent about that too. You don’t need to explain the tech in detail, but you should share that you’re leveraging tools to better understand what your audience wants or to improve their experience. You can do this through your privacy policy, sign-up forms, website disclosures or through other general communications that you send to your customers. 

People just want to know what they’re signing up for. When you’re upfront and make it easy for them to understand and control how their info is used, it builds trust. That trust is what keeps them coming back.

Now is the Time to Start Planning Your Holiday Campaigns
 

It might feel early, but the summer months are the perfect time to get serious about your holiday marketing strategy. Whether you’re a nonprofit prepping your year-end giving campaign or a business planning a service or product launch, starting now gives you space to build a campaign that’s intentional, not reactive.

According to 2024 data from the National Retail Federation, 92% of U.S. adults plan to celebrate winter holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Nearly half (45%) of holiday shoppers will browse or buy before November, up from 40% a decade ago. This means your audience is planning ahead, and you should be, too.

 

     Three ways to get started today:

  1. Set your goals and budget. Define what success looks like (donations, sales, sign-ups) and determine what you’ll spend on ads, design or events.
  2. Review last year’s performance. Look at what worked and what didn’t such as open rates, conversions and feedback. This information can guide your next move.
  3. Map your timeline and align your team. Lay out deadlines for content, reviews, and launch and start conversations with any external vendors. Make sure everyone is clear on roles and responsibilities.
 

Getting started now doesn’t mean having everything finished, but it does mean avoiding last-minute stress and the opportunity to build a well-planned campaign. 

Let’s get ahead of the holiday rush together. Contact us today to get the conversation started.

If you have any questions about these topics or would like support in implementing these trends in your own marketing strategy, we’re here to help. We’re committed to helping you navigate the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing with ease.

We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us today to explore how working with Right Relations can help you stay ahead of the curve and bring joy back to your marketing efforts.